Chapter 5

Daniel was in a state of disbelief. The man's words had sent a jolt of shock through his entire body, and he couldn't wrap his mind around what was happening. "My father?" he thought to himself, but the words seemed impossible to believe.

The man gently pinched his cheek, wiping away the tears that were falling from his eyes. He knew that this news was overwhelming for Daniel, and he wanted to reassure him. He wanted to show him that he was not alone and that he would be there to support him through this life-changing moment.

He pulled Daniel into a tight hug, his voice choked with emotion. "'I've been looking for you all these years. Where have you been?'" 

Daniel still was in shock at what was happening and that he didn’t have the time to process all that was going on. All his life people had stepped on him and made him feel like he had no place in this world, but with the warmth this man brought to him, it gave him some kind of hope.

Some people paused to look at the show of affection the older man was giving to the young poor boy. Daniel pulled away from the hug to look at the man, to be sure that this was real and something good was actually happening to him.

"How...how could you possibly know that I'm your son?" Daniel stammered, his voice shaking. "I could be anyone. You don't even know me. How can you say that with such conviction?"

“You mother informed me of your birth when she had you, but I couldn’t get to you because you were taken from her few days after she died in the hospital” he said to answer your question

“But how do you know I am your son? It still doesn’t explain it”

“I saw you a day after your birth, and you were born with this scar under your jaw” he touched it and smiled.

“I was happy that I had a child but I had to leave for an important meeting that week, I promised to be back for you and your mum but my trip took longer than I expected and when I came back, you were already taken to the orphanage home and when I went looking for you, I was told that you never came to the orphanage home and since then, I have been looking for you”

The sadness played in the man’s eyes and it made you sad that your dad had to be pained while looking for you but knowing that people will not mock you again because of your new status, it made you glad.

"I suffered a lot, Dad," Daniel said, his voice quivering with emotion. He could barely get the words out, as if the weight of his past struggles was bearing down on him. He looked up at his father, eyes brimming with tears, and waited for a response.

Tears streamed down the father's face as he nodded, a look of profound sorrow and regret etched on his features. "I know, my son," he said, his voice heavy with emotion. "I'm so sorry it took me this long to find you. I should have never given up the search. But now that I have found you, I'll do everything in my power to make up for lost time. I'll give you everything you've missed, and more."

He gently placed a hand on Daniel's shoulder and guided him towards one of his expensive cars.

“Where are we going to dad?”

"First things first," the father said, his tone gentle but firm. "We need to make sure you look and feel your best. Let's get these injuries cleaned up and bandaged, and then we'll get you some fresh clothes and a nice haircut. It'll make a world of difference, trust me."

His smile was warm and reassuring, and Daniel couldn't help but feel a little bit better, a little bit lighter. He let himself relax into the care of this man, this father he had never known.

Daniel could feel the disbelief welling up inside him, threatening to overwhelm him. This whole situation felt surreal, like a dream or a movie. He was having a hard time processing it all. And now, here he was, entering the very store that had mistreated him before, only this time he was with his father.

The security guard at the door had been unfriendly the last time he was there, but now he was all smiles and deference, greeting Daniel's father with respect. But when he saw Daniel with his father, his expression changed to one of disgust.

“Sir, I am sorry if this good for nothing man has cajoled you into believing his lie, but I promise that he will be dealt with” she said, then pulled Daniel away from the man.

The older man looked at her in annoyance and then asked “What are you talking about?”

“ This rat came here and tried to steal from us, and I warned him severely not to return, and now he wants to rob you, security take him out” she ordered, and the security grabbed him.

“Stop that!” The man shouted, then pulled Daniel to himself and glared at everyone “What is the matter with you all? Don’t you know how to treat royals?” he roared at them.

“Sir, you are the royal, we are trying to protect you from the wretched-looking man beside you, he is a thief and will steal from you if given the cha-” he interrupts her in a loud voice.

“How dare you call my son, the only son and heir of the Kingston royal family, a wretched fellow? How dare you?” he asked angrily.

King Kingston roared in anger, and that shut everyone up. There were whispers amongst the customers as they all looked in wonder of the new revelation.

“Kingston heir?” some whispered.

“How’s that possible?” another said.

“Was it not the rejected boy that came in not long ago?” another asked, and everyone just stared in shock.

“As much respect as you give me, it is the same amount I want to give to my son. He is your new head and will take over every property I have worldwide. He is my only son and heir, and I want him to be treated nicely” he said to everyone.

Some of the customers murmured about Daniel being treated badly before his new status was announced, the sales attendant and the security lowered their heads down as they burned in shame of what they did to the young heir.

‘How can I be so foolish?’ she asked within.

‘I am screwed’ the security said within as he watched the young heir. He was maltreated minutes ago.